Topband: FT-8

[cqtestk4xs at aol.com]

This thread has been addressed on various reflectors.
I've tried it, made around 400 contacts or so, and found the mode pretty boring.  Even with my pileups on FT-8 the mode left me cold.  I felt the same way with RTTY...tried it and found it boring.  Why?  With CW SSB/AM I felt a connection with the other person, someone sending with a key or a person speaking to me.  With RTTY and especially FT-8 my machine is decoding your machine.  Oh yeah, I know my XCVR is a machine and so is yours, but for me it's not the same.
I understand why guys get all hot and bothered about the new mode, it gives the guys who don't know CW a chance to work DX on a mode other than SSB and gives the weaker signal guys a chance to work DX.  For the guys with bigger stations it gives them a chance to work the rarer ones on tough bands like, 160 or 6.  Maybe that's why I'm not into FT-8, I've got a big station, and can work CW.  Also, I've never been really into putting the new one in the log as much as many guys are...I'm more of a contester.
If you want to work your pileups and/or work 300 countries on FT-8, that's fine with me.  I'm not going to look down my nose at you but please don't condescendingly  tell me I'm a dinosaur or refuse to accept new technology.  I'm accepting it, I just don't want to be part of it.  No hard feelings.
Bill KH7XS/KH7B/K4XS